After a few years with a G10 and G12, used primarily for street photography, I tried the G1X and didn't like it as much for street use. Even though the larger sensor captures a terrific amount of detail, other aspects of the camera made it less appealing than my G12, at least for my intended use. So I am back to using the G12 but just itching to try something new out in the street. Then the Fuji X100 gets a firmware update that fixes many of its problems, they introduce a new X100S, pushing the used X100 price down a bit (to G1X prices), I grab one used from a forum and maybe I have found what I'm looking for in a street photography camera. It doesn't have many of the G's features, but I set up the G12 with manual hyperfocal settings and left it at the widest zoom most of the time anyway. No way the G's IQ or low light performance will come close to the Fuji.

So what I am saying is that Canon hasn't evolved the G series fast enough or improved the IQ or (especially) the low light/high ISO noise issues to keep the G competitive or innovative for many photographers. In addition, Canon now offers the S series compact p&s line, and excepting the hot shoe (important to me), you get most of the G series' "specialness" in a smaller, totally pocketable camera. The EOS-M is a different beast entirely, but it ought to provide the higher-end quality that G users may have been hoping to see in the next G.

So on both ends, the G series has been squeezed into a tiny niche, mostly by Canon themselves,and I am guessing that photographers are looking to other cameras for the functionality and convenience and IQ that was previously available ONLY from the once-innovative G series.

It has been very slow, to the point that I have not been encouraged to step up from my G12. Id like to see an improved G1X. I have actually seen several G15 already selling used for 350.00. G1X selling used for as low as 400.00, a camera that came out at 800.00.

I think the gradual decline will partly be contributed by the good cameras out in the market place by Fuji and Sony. We even have current members on this forum who debate how good there Fuji model is on this G camera section.Canon haven,t really gone with the flow of the interchangeable lens compact system, they have kept the G cameras at a good for value price, the G15 and G1x is under £500 here where some of the Sony and Fuji models are getting nearer to £1000.The question is will the Sony and Fuji converts return.........will Canon come up with something outside the box.

I have been sold on Canon so long I just wont try another brand again after stepping out with a Fuji once. I hated the Fuji proprietary RAW processing and like the seamless RAW processing of Canon and thier DPP software. I have contemplated getting either a G1X or a G15 but just havent been convinced that it is a large enough jump up from G12 to have to give up all my many accessories with it just to make the change. Im really hoping on a better G1X but I also remember waiting forever for a better Pro1 that never came.

The future of the G-series is a bit unclear now. Back in the day when men were men and the size of a camera body refelected the size of it's sensor, the G-series cameras were at or near the front of the pack for a compact option to a DSLR with lots of features and manual controls. As soon as Panasonic and Olympus removed the mirror from a DSLR and created Micro Four Thirds, there was a middle ground option in terms of size for very little loss in IQ AND it offerred interchangeable lenses. The price of these types of cameras has come down as well which puts a further squeeze on the traditional small-sensor enthusiast compact camera market.

The G1X is different again. I've no idea if Canon has sold many of these, but it is clear that a lot of people don't get the concept. Some say that it's too big compared to the existing G-series cameras, apparently missing the advantage of the larger sensor. Some say that if you want a large(r) sensor compact zoom you should get an RX100, but that gets you a so-so lens in a camera that handles like a bar of soap. Some say that you might as well get a Micro 4/3 camera or NEX with a kit lens, missing the fact that you won't get anything quite as small with a lens anywhere near as good the one found in the G1X. Some want to shoot with primes or change lenses: fair enough, so do I. But, I'm still left wanting a high quality and compact zoom lens as per my previous point. Canon is not totally blameless however since the G1X doesn't have the same polish as any comtemporary Micro 4/3 camera when it comes to operation, although obviously the output is first rate.

The G1X concept is actually not that far removed from the Fuji X100 which DID cause much foaming at the mouth by combining modern tech with classic styling and controls AND a prime lens. The fixed prime lens is a lot of the reason why I didn't want the X100, but it was the perfect choice for the market that that camera was aimed at.

So anyway, that's my take on why the G-series has lost some of it's traditional user base. Basically Canon haven't followed where the bulk of the market has headed in anything smaller than a Rebel DSLR.

afkenner wrote in post #15495106Even though the larger sensor captures a terrific amount of detail, other aspects of the camera made it less appealing than my G12, at least for my intended use.

Which aspects exactly?

So what I am saying is that Canon hasn't evolved the G series fast enough or improved the IQ or (especially) the low light/high ISO noise issues to keep the G competitive or innovative for many photographers.

Here you're losing me - You mention above that the G1X' sensor captures a terrific amount of detail, and now you're saying that Canon hasn't improved the IQ and high ISO noise of the G series? When everybody raves about the IQ of the G1X - me included (I own one).I don't really understand your line of reasoning here.

Ronnie H wrote in post #15495242When Canon makes a real step UP from our G9s (wife & I each have one) we may buy another?? we thought the G15 was it but after a week of steady use,,we returned it,,,-----------Ron

the G series is just a great bunch of cameras!i have to say- i agree though there is something special about the G9 had the G12 and liked it very much too

but the G15 reminds me more of my old friend the G9- and i believe the G15 will prove itself a better camera- love it so far!

How does other manufacturers software compare to Canon. I like the Zoombrowser and DPP especially with the recent HDR tool revision. That will take a single jpeg and has helped me recover a bad shot or make a good shot a little better.

I like my g12 and am not in the market to replace it at this time. The software would be a major consideration when that day arrives.

I personally think Canon is still on the right road and at a decent speed. The G15 was almost in all ways a good upgrade from the G12. Good lens (f1.8-f2.8), Higher resolution sensor, smaller more compact body, better LCD and so forth. Having used the G12, (now G15,S100) I quite like the moves Canon has made. Obviously I would like to see some groundbreaking innovation on Canon's part which they have seemed to be either holding back or just producing good cameras with good output.

PowerShotMike wrote in post #15508229I personally think Canon is still on the right road and at a decent speed. The G15 was almost in all ways a good upgrade from the G12. Good lens (f1.8-f2.8), Higher resolution sensor, smaller more compact body, better LCD and so forth. Having used the G12, (now G15,S100) I quite like the moves Canon has made. Obviously I would like to see some groundbreaking innovation on Canon's part which they have seemed to be either holding back or just producing good cameras with good output.

Unfortunately (for Canon) the days are over in this market segment where they have to simply worry about providing a decent upgrade from their own previous model. They need to look at the competition and create a compelling reason for folks to buy Canon. Brand loyalty only goes so far with most people.

mastertech01 wrote in post #15495219It has been very slow, to the point that I have not been encouraged to step up from my G12. Id like to see an improved G1X. I have actually seen several G15 already selling used for 350.00. G1X selling used for as low as 400.00, a camera that came out at 800.00.

Yeah I'm kind of shocked at all of the cheap G1x's I've seen--one at $350 used, and another at $400. Prices on ebay aren't much higher. Makes you wonder about Canon's MSRP strategy.

Registered members may log in to forums and access all the features: full search, image upload, follow forums, own gear list and ratings, likes, more forums, private messaging, thread follow, notifications, own gallery, all settings, view hosted photos, own reviews, see more and do more... and all is free. Don't be a stranger - register now and start posting!

COOKIES DISCLAIMER: This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and to our privacy policy. Privacy policy and cookie usage info.

Latest registered member is rono258806 guests, 207 members onlineSimultaneous users record so far is 15144, that happened on Nov 22, 2018

Photography-on-the.net Digital Photography Forums is the website for photographers and all who love great photos, camera and post processing techniques, gear talk, discussion and sharing. Professionals, hobbyists, newbies and those who don't even own a camera -- all are welcome regardless of skill, favourite brand, gear, gender or age. Registering and usage is free.